1 Preface
The objective of these Guidelines is to establish an agreed method for sampling to
enable effective control and enforcement of liquid fuel oil being used on board ships
under the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI.
2 Sampling location
The in-use
footnote representative sample or samples should be
obtained from a designated sampling point or points. The number and location of
designated fuel oil sampling points should be confirmed by the Administration following
consideration of possible fuel oil cross-contamination and service tank arrangements.
Fuel oil sampling points to be used should fulfil all of the following conditions:
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.1 be easily and safely accessible;
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.2 take into account different fuel oil grades being used for the
fuel oil combustion machinery item;
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.3 be downstream of the in-use fuel oil service tank;
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.4 be as close to the fuel oil combustion machinery as safely
feasible taking into account the type of fuel oil, flow-rate, temperature, and
pressure behind the selected sampling point;
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.5 be clearly marked for easy identification and described in
either the piping diagram or other relevant documents;
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.6 each sampling point should be located in a position shielded
from any heated surface or electrical equipment and the shielding device or
construction should be sturdy enough to endure leaks, splashes or spray under
design pressure of the fuel oil supply line so as to preclude impingement of
fuel oil onto such surface or equipment; and
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.7 the sampling arrangement should be provided with suitable
drainage to the drain tank or other safe location.
3 Sample handling
The fuel oil sample should be taken when a steady flow is established in the
fuel oil circulating system. The sampling connection
footnote should be thoroughly flushed through with the
fuel oil in use prior to drawing the sample. The sample or samples should be collected
in a sampling container or containers and should be representative of the fuel oil being
used. The sample bottles should be sealed by the inspector with a unique means of
identification installed in the presence of the ship's representative. The ship should
be given the option of retaining a sample. The label should include the following
information:
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.1 sampling point location where the sample was drawn;
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.2 date and port of sampling;
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.3 name and IMO number of the ship;
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.4 details of seal identification; and
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.5 signatures and names of the inspector and the ship's
representative.